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The Impact of Fuel Price Hike on Private Car Owners in Nigeria

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In recent weeks, the economic landscape of Nigeria has been further strained by the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) lifted petrol prices from N897 to N1,030 per litre, significantly intensifying financial challenges for citizens already grappling with a high cost of living.

This latest price hike is poised to escalate poverty levels across the nation, as experts warn of its potential to push more individuals into financial distress. With fuel prices surging by an average of 174.6 percent, the ramifications of this decision are felt throughout various sectors of the economy. The removal of subsidies, coupled with currency depreciation, has contributed to a skyward trajectory in the prices of goods and services.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics highlights the gravity of the situation, revealing that Nigeria’s inflation rate soared to 33.95 percent, with core contributors including transportation and fuel costs. Daily necessities have become increasingly unaffordable, with reports indicating soaring prices for staple items such as rice, which now exceeds N100,000 per bag.

In response to these economic pressures, many private car owners are resorting to converting their vehicles into commercial services. This practice allows them to offset rising fuel costs by charging passengers for transportation, thereby recouping some of their expenses. For instance, Akinolu Olu, a resident of Lugbe who commutes to work in Utako, Abuja, shared how he now charges his neighbors for rides—a stark contrast to his previous practice of offering free transport.

“Before the fuel subsidy removal, I used to transport four of my neighbors without charging them. However, since the price increased, I now charge N700 per person for each trip,” Olu explained.

As this trend of informal commercial driving continues to gain traction, it underscores the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the financial strain on households. Citizens and economists alike are calling for measures to mitigate the economic hardships that have become all too commonplace in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of addressing the escalating cost of living crisis.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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